Should I consider hormone therapy?

Reader Question: I've been reluctant to try hormone therapy to deal with hot flashes, but my doctor said that since I recently hit menopause my risk of side effects is much lower. Is he right?

On Call Response: Probably. Two new studies focusing on younger postmenopausal women found that women who use hormone therapy in their 50s are less likely to have heart disease compared to those who use it in their 60s or older. Some experts have even suggested that women who have recently gone through menopause may gain some added protection against heart disease by taking hormones—but that's up for debate. The downside: Hormones are still linked to an increase in stroke risk, no matter the age at which you take them.

When it comes to treating hot flashes, nothing works like estrogen. So if you're really suffering, it may be worth a try (if you still have your uterus, remember that you need to take progestin with estrogen to protect against uterine cancer). To minimize any risks, experts recommend taking the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time possible (just enough to get relief when you need it most).

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